KSL Blog

July 4th Skiing

This is a picture from the bottom of the Snowbird parking lot. I went up there today to talk to people who plan on skiing on the Fourth of July. Snowbird had so much snow that they have been open on the weekends still. When I think of July 4, I think of fireworks, parades, camping, hiking, etc -- not skiing! The people I talked to were so excited to hit the slopes one last time. We chatted on the Plaza, where dozens of people and kids were milling around in shorts and flip-flops, doing summer things in the mountains, and here we were talking about skiing. It was gorgeous up there by the way. I dawdled as long as I could in the scenery and cool air before I had to come back down and put the story together. It's going to run Friday (tomorrow) morning.

Blowing Up Geneva Steel

Okay so they didn't blow up the whole place but they did try to take down quite a few of the blast furnaces and stacks early in the morning.  As soon as I stepped out of my car at 5:45 A.M. at Geneva Steel I was met by hundreds of huge mosquitoes.    Everyone was swatting at the insects and this became a tough situation trying to report live with mosquitoes crawling all over.  Luckily as soon as the sun came up they went away.

They told us the blast would be at 6 A.M. and there would be no count down or any other notice.  I just kept my recorder rolling the whole time just in case in went off early.  Then all of a sudden there was an explosion.  5,000 pounds of explosives went off all at once.  I didn't even see the initial blast and when I looked over the 265 foot blast furnaces crashed down.  The explosion and the collapse was so fast that I kept waiting for something else to happen out there.  The whole thing took four seconds.  I've seen the sports stadiums and hotels come crashing down on TV but this was much quicker than I expected.  If you blinked you missed it.

A large cloud of dust spread out over the area and a little while later as it started to clear you could still seem some stacks still standing.  10 of the 14 stacks crashed down and four were left.  Plant officials took off to check out the base of the four remaining stacks.  They came back and said the explosives went off like they were supposed to but the four remaining stacks just had cracks in the foundation and would have to be drilled and re-wired at another time. 

If you are traveling by Geneva Steel you won't really notice any change.  It will take more than two years to demolish everything out at the site.

Trees and Cedar Hills

It was quite the day for me yesterday, starting with a tree landing on a house and ending with the Cedar Hills vote results. I worked a later shift so I could stay and report on the results last night. Around 3:10, I was putting together a story to run the next day when Marc Giauque came over to my desk and said, "Want to go on a field trip?" I love field trips! That means breaking news. I went out to 10th East and 3rd South where I saw a huge tree toppled onto a house.

In between staring at it and moving out of the way of interested neighbors and passers-by, I interviewed SLC Fire's Dennis McKone about what happened. I then went back to the truck to prepare for a 4 PM live shot. At about 3:50 or 3:55 I realized I didn't know what type of tree it was. Critical piece of information -- I just knew Scott and Maria could ask me questions after my live hit, and what do you bet that would be the first: "You didn't mention what type of tree this was, Mary." Me: "Uh, a big one."

So I quickly hopped back out of the truck and ran the block back to Dennis past the other TV trucks and City and Fire trucks to ask what type of tree. I'm sure many people would know just looking at it but I have no idea. He said "Poplar." I ran back to my news vehicle. Ok, run isn't the word b/c I'm in the third trimester of pregnancy. More like quickly huffed and puffed my way back to the news vehicle, but I made it in plenty of time for the live shot.

After our PM news I was here until 10 updating the Cedar Hills vote (as well as the Southern Utah fires and other stories) with newscasts every half-hour. Randall Jeppesen was live at the polling place, but both of us couldn't get any update on the numbers until the final results. He got them at 9:50, and I threw him on the air with the breaking news sounder: both initiatives failed. By the way he said as the evening went on, more and more people were showing up at the polling place and he could hear KSL Radio going strong in their cars. Thanks for listening!

Suing the Scouts...

It has been a very long day with a lot happening in the news.

All day, I've been chasing a story that finally came to fruition just before Utah's Afternoon News with Scott & Maria.  KSL NewsRadio was the first to report that the Justice Department and the Utah Attorney General's Office has included the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a $14 million lawsuit over a wildfire.  You can hear my story by clicking here.

Intrestingly enough, this is the same area where Brennan Hawkins disappeared in.  I was up there earlier this week and the forest is still quite burned out.

Bell & Podcast...

What a week it's been!  I think most of us at KSL finally got some good sleep last night after three absolutely crazy days.   Apologize there hasn't been more on the blog or podcast streams.  That should change today now that we all can breathe.

A couple of quick things this morning and then I'll have more later...

For the conspiracy theorists who can't believe how much attention the Nauvoo Bell has been getting in the media lately... you'll be thrilled to hear the Des News has another article on this in today's paper.

Our web traffic created all sorts of records this week.  On the INTERNET ALONE KSL Radio had more than 18,000 listeners Tuesday.  The site had more than 250,000 page views in ONE HOUR.  As soon as we broke the news on KSL Radio at 12:20pm that KSL Newsradio's Marc Giauque was hearing a medical helicopter dispatched to possibly pick up Brennan Hawkins the site went balistic.  People called friends, family, neighbors, coworkers and the traffic went crazy.

Incredible day and week. 

More later...

Finding Brennan Hawkins...

As I write this, I'm back in Salt Lake City after spending two days in the high Uintas covering the search for Brennan Hawkins.  You can listen to KSL NewsRadio's coverage by clicking here.

Of course, KSL NewsRadio broke the news of Brennan being found during Utah's Noon News with Russ Hill.  I had just finished a live shot on the latest search efforts, when I called my partner in crime on this story, Marc Giauque.  He told me he was hearing some scanner chatter indicating something may be happening east of the search site, near Lily Lake.  At first, we thought it may be a searcher who got hurt flipping an ATV, because the things we were hearing were kind of confusing.

I started heading out that way, because I was on my way back to the search site.  To say that covering this story is a logistical nightmare is the understatement of the day.  There's hardly any cell phone service out in the high Uintas, the nearest town is Evanston, Wyoming -- where I filed a lot of stories because it is the nearest place with internet access.  That's 35 miles away.

Then there's the road construction.  Perfectly timed for a major search effort, someone decided to tear up 11 miles of SR 150.  It's so torn up that the road alternates between dirt, pavement and some sort of washboard/gravel hybrid.  Then, just as you're approaching it -- the construction worker decides to hold up the "stop" sign -- and keep you stopped for the next 20 minutes.  At least the delay afforded me time to make some phone calls -- when I had a cell phone signal.

As I was on the phone with a good source of mine, Marc went on the air with what we were hearing.  I was still trying to get through construction.  Finally past the last checkpoint, I blasted through the Uintas to Lily Lake.  Somewhere between Evanston and the East Fork of the Bear River, I'm sure searchers heard a Ford Escape break the sound barrier.

I pulled up to Lily Lake and a DWS officer was blocking the road.  I tried to pump him for any information that I could get, asking "did they find him?"

"Preliminarily," was all he said.  What kind of answer is that?!?!  Of course, there was no way in hell I was getting past his roadblock.  Just then, a couple on ATVs came riding up.  They had heard that Brennan had been found... but it still wasn't confirmation.  A guy pulled up in a pick-up and claimed to have talked to the man who found Brennan.  Then, as I was trying to get on the air -- a volunteer searcher came up to me and told me they were called back and told to stop searching -- he'd been found, alive and well.

I got on the air with what I had.  Unfortunately, the cell phone signal was so bad that all Russ heard was "ambulance... <STATIC, POP> alive... <HISS, CRACKLE>... Winslow!"

Over the next couple of hours, we attempted more live shots from the high Uintas.  I found that if I didn't move -- much less breathe -- I could get a fairly clear signal.  The minute a breeze started blowing, I was off the air.  In the meantime, I started digging.

Out at Lily Lake, I was surprised that not a lot of media was gathering.   A few photographers, KSL 5's Sam Penrod, eventually the AP, and myself.  Since this was the place he'd been found -- where was everyone?  I had expected the networks to be occupying the area like Germany.  They have a nasty habit of doing that.  But they were nowhere to be found... probably still up at the search site.

Then, a few guys on ATVs came rolling up.  Desperate for information, I started shouting questions to the first guy who pulled up.

"Is he okay?!?!" I shouted.  I got a yes.  They'd seen Brennan.  Another guy on an ATV pointed to the first guy, and said "he found him!"  You can hear KSL's interview with Forrest Nunley by clicking here.

After interviewing Mr. Nunley, I knew I had to get on the air.  But just then the ambulance carrying Brennan came out.  I got some sound of the ambulance going by, then I drove down the mountain like a madman.  I was a desperate reporter in desperate need of a good cell phone signal.  With one eye on the road and the other on my phone bars, I pulled off the road at the first sign of hope.  I got on the air.

After another hour-and-a-half worth of live shots, I made the long drive to Evanston to begin filing.  It's been a hectic day, but in the end -- you gotta love a story with a happy ending.

Latest on The Bell

For those following The Bell situation... I wrote up a little something published this morning on the DNews Opinion Page.  Thought those of you interested in the status of the Bell would find it interesting...

Patriotism or Advertising?

   There's an interesting situation at Big Bob's Floor Covering in Sandy.  Owner Kody Sorenson received a citation from the city because of the American flag over his business.  Actually it's for 10 flags flying over his business.  Sorenson's attorney will be in court Tuesday in the next step of this situation.

The plan for Sorenson two years ago was to buy a giant flag like many companies have and fly that in front of his store.  The only problem was those flags cost several thousand dollars.  So to save some cash he bought 10 3x5 flags and put them on top of his store.

  About a year ago Sorenson decided he wanted to change the size of the sign on his store.  He went to the city to ask what needed to be done.  He says the city told him they would allow him to change the sign if he took the flags down.  Sorenson says he wondered what the flags had to do with his sign.

  It comes down to two problems.  Sandy city code allows for one U.S. flag, one Utah flag, and one corporate flag.  Also the U.S. flag can not be used commercially and city workers have determined that his flags are a form of advertising.  The flags are a form of secondary advertising which is not allowed in the city.  It is possible to fly more flags if you get a permit.

  Sorenson wonders why there is a limit to having U.S. flags.  He also says he doesn't believe the flags are used commercially because he sells carpet and other related items and the flags have nothing to do with his company.  They just help give a little more class to his plain white building and show his patriotism.  He also says there is no way he can pull the flags down because of the current situation across the world with the troops. 

  Sorenson says he thought the situation would go away.  He says he honestly didn't think it would get to this point of having to go to court.  He says he's never been arrested or convicted of anything but says if he has to be arrested he will gladly go to jail rather than pull down the flags on top of his store.

  While I was in the store some people walked in to just give support to Sorenson.  He says many people who visit his store aren't looking for carpet but just to stop by and tell him what they think of the whole situation.  He says he did get one letter from someone saying that he should pull them down.

  If you want to take a look the store is at 9127 S. 255 W.  Basically if you are on I-15 look east just before the 90th South exit. 

      

GPS Baby!!

In some sort of strange admittance that County employees are still likely to break the rules, they are now looking at putting GPS trackers in the fleet vehicles. 

In maybe the coolest use of technology I have heard in while, should an employee drive beyond the county limits an alarm would sound at "HQ,"  and they could shut the car down by remotely turning off the engine.  Is it just me or that totally rad? 

And since now linking to stories seems to be "in"  I will also post some for your perusal!

Makes me feel good about my game.

Is it just me or are you all totally sick of this crap too?

I guess I will have to start dressing up when i go to the capitol!

And I should also mention something about the Athletes Invitational.  There are three Utah brothers who are trying to raise money so kids that can't afford to play organized sports like Little League can through Scholarships.  The guys are running a tournament that teams can sign up for at $150 a team.  Anyway I'm rambling, it's Friday.  The bottom line is that it is a great cause because there literally are thousands of children whose parents can't afford the fees, and honestly shouldn't every kid who wants to be able to play sports?

Here is their website.

Have a good weekend!!!

The Bell Tolls...

Good morning. 

This morning, in place of my typical rundown of what's happening in the news, I'm going to address an issue that is generating some questions from some of you.  I'm talking about The Nauvoo Bell.

Some background...

A few weeks ago KSL Radio began transmitting a digital signal.  At that time, we had to begin broadcasting with a seven second delay.  Our chief engineer decided at that time to remove the sound of the Nauvoo Bell from our air.  For the majority of Utahns who knew nothing about the Nauvoo Bell being on KSL Radio, let me explain how it used to work.

At the beginning of every hour a microphone would open on Temple Square as the Nauvoo Bell was rung and it would be broadcast live on KSL Radio.  It marked the official top of the hour.  It has been a trademark on KSL Radio for more than 40 years. 

So, our engineer took it off the air and then brought the issue up to our management team.  The problem was if we continued to take the live feed of the bell from Temple Square the audience would hear it seven seconds after it actually sounded due to our delay.  The purists believed this would be unfair to people who set their watches on that bell.

The other option was to tape the bell and play the tape seven seconds before the actual start of the hour and then with the delay the audience would hear it at the correct time.  This was a problem because we have a station ID that runs at that time that is required by FCC regulations.  The bell would ring right over the station id.

So, the management team asked the engineers to look for the best solution and report back.  That report hasn't come back yet.  In the meantime, we have received less than a dozen messages from people who noticed the bell wasn't on KSL.

Then, the Deseret Morning News got interested.  They called earlier in the week and this morning ran a front page article.  Apparently several AM and FM radio stations decided this was the most compelling issue of the morning and decided to make KSL Radio the subject of their discussion this morning. 

I have been told some morning hosts even went so far as to say the removal of the bell from the airwaves of KSL represented the station abandoning its values. 

Are you kidding me?

As always, I greatly appreciate any media outlet talking about KSL. Veterans in this business know any publicity is good publicity as long as they get your call letters right.   Of course, the people saying some of these things on the radio do not believe what they were saying.  KSL and its staff certainly have not dumped their personal or collective values or moral judgment because we stopped playing the bell for a few days.  Such a claim, if truly made, is unfortunate.

We are seeking a solution and for those of you who are genuinely concerned about the bell being gone, rest assured it's always been our plan to keep it on the air.  My informed guess would be you'll hear it again beginning later today.  We discussed a way to make this work yesterday and think we may be able to have it back up and running today. 

In other words, there is no controversy.  The storied Nauvoo Bell which represents so much about the sacrifices and strong will of Utah's pioneer founders will continue to sound on KSL each hour. 

The greatest thing that has come from this attention in the media on KSL today is that thousands of Utahns who may or may not listen to KSL now know about this great tradition that exists on this radio station.  Now, thousands of people who never noticed the bell ringing on KSL Radio will now hear it and recognize it and know that one of the most historic items from Utah's past continues to be connected with this great radio station.

In my mind it speaks volumes about KSL that more than 40 years ago someone decided this bell was important enough to become an integral part of our programming.  Someone a generation ago decided they thought it was important that this radio station continue to broadcast this signal from the past so that generations in the future could hear it.

This simple bell speaks volumes especially in an industry where huge companies in far off places own stations that too often have little connection and involvement in the communities in which they broadcast.  Forgive the shop talk for a moment.  But unfortunately, this industry is and has been moving away from commitment to local communities.  Much has been written and said about this over the last several years.

The bell reminds us all each hour that this station, at least, is different.  It is after all the station established by the pioneers who settled these valleys.  It was their creation to connect the people who founded this area of the Wild West.   Every hour when each of us hears that bell we'll be reminded of our past, the pioneer heritage of this area, and this station's commitment to connect this community. 

This station remains as committed as ever to doing what it's always done.  Doing things like raising money to put shoes on the disadvantaged during Winter, devoting entire days of airtime to raise money to pay for healthcare for sick children, putting on the largest show of patriotism in the state each summer, and delivering news from down the street whenever and wherever it happens. 

Our intent is to strengthen these local ties and traditions in the years ahead.

So, will the bell ring again?  Yes it will and no doubt it will have more meaning to more people for years to come. 

You'll hear it again soon...

(Photo courtesy Deseret Morning News, Ravell Call.)

:UPDATE: Thank you all for your kind emails.  My email box has been flooded.  I greatly appreciate all of your positive comments about the bell and its tradition with KSL.  It looks like Monday mid-day we'll have this solved.  We've come up with a perfect solution.  In fact, it will even be given some more prominence in its placement.  Listen Monday for its return on KSL Newsradio 1160.

An Unusual "Pet"...

It was a couple of years ago that I met Chuck Simmons.  A friendly old rancher in Mesquite, Nevada, I'd heard he had an unusual "pet."  An alligator that actually lived on his land on the Utah-Arizona border! 

After some chasing, I managed to track down Simmons who confirmed that the alligator was his.  In 1986, it arrived in a shoebox as a joke from a friend in Georgia.  Unfortunately, it escaped.  Simmons' ranch land has a series of ponds, perfect for an alligator.  But Simmons told me he didn't think it would live through the winter.

A few years later, he started seeing signs that the gator was not only surviving, but thriving.  Missing livestock, tracks and eventually a few face-to-face confrontations.  The alligator even had a name.

"Name's Clem if it's a male!" he proclaimed during the interview with me.  "And it's Clementine if it's a female but I can't get nobody to go out and sex it!"

As the years went on, Simmons kept an eye on his strange pet.  He also tried to be wary of it, knowing it wasn't so cuddly.  He told me stories about a dog that jumped into one of the ponds, only to find some company (the dog survived).  He also tried to protect his wife's ducks and geese by fencing off a pond for them.  Clem got in anyway.

"It was laying there and all the ducks and geese were up in the corner on dry land!" he said, laughing. 

The ducks refused to go into the pond even after Clem had moved on. 

  I had driven down to Mesquite to interview him.  He gave me this amazing series of photos of Clem, who had grown to nine feet long!

The original plan was for him to take me out to his property, which is way out on the Arizona Strip.  However, when I got there, his wife was having medical problems and he couldn't.  So we did the interview and I forgot about the story...until now.

Flash forward a few years later...

The BLM announced plans to buy Simmons' ranch land on the Arizona Strip.  Now, they're trying to figure out what to do with Clem.  Simmons told me at the time he didn't want anyone to kill it.  The Arizona Department of Fish and Game appears to be honoring his wish.  They've hired wranglers from Phoenix to come up and try to catch Clem.  Simmons' pet will be taken to a special sanctuary in Arizona to live out his days.

An unusual story, for sure!  You can hear it by clicking here.

Cedar Hills Booze...

It is amazing how the Cedar Hills booze and Sunday sales issue lights up our phone lines.  Doug is continuing the debate on the radio for an extra hour.... until 12pm due to the amount of interest in the topic.

To listen to the archived Doug Wright Show from this morning subscribe to the KSL podcast and have the Cedar Hills debate downloaded to your computer.

If you can't or don't want to get in on the phone lines share your opinions here...  Click on the "comments" link below to submit your take.

Be advised some of your comments may be read on the air.

Politics!

So I heard about an e-mail that had been distributed to members of the Utah GOP in regards to the campaign of Democrat Pete Ashdown.  E-mail as follows....

Dear Fellow Republican:

This e-mail is in general and I'm blasting it out all over to reach as many 
Republican activists as possible. (I apologize for any duplication; you are 
probably on more than one list)  I am not directing this to anyone in 
particular, so do not take it personal  ("But, if the shoe fits . . .  "). 

Some Republicans have signed up with XMission for their Internet  service. 
The owner of XMission is a Democrat that is partially using the  money he has
earned from his XMission business to run on the Democratic ticket  against our
incumbant Republican U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch.  Even if you  were to support a
Republican challenger to Hatch (a totally different subject -  see chart at
end of story), it still is not a good idea to support a Republican  challenger
like this Democrat XMission owner by using his services.

So I'm asking anyone who may have XMission to please seriously consider and 
take action by dropping this service and sign up with another provider.   
Also, if you know of any Republican using XMission, please pass this  request to
them.

Thank you!

Respectfully,
Rich Kuchinsky

Now the e-mail of course had Mr. Ashdown and other Democrats upset as they saw the e-mail as an attack not on a Candidate for Senate, but instead on a legitimate Utah business.  Republican leaders (on tape) said the same thing. 

My question to you guys is this.  Is this is a proper way to play in the world of politics?  Or is this below the belt,...to, "attack a man's livelihood?"

I should also mention I have recieved calls from Republicans who say the Democrats do this stuff, "all the time!!!"  'Ain't politics fun?

6/16: In The News...

Good morning to you.

Morning schedule is jammed today.  Have a BYU Sports strategy meeting in a few minutes, so this will be very brief.  Maybe I'll make up for it this afternoon with some more on the blog.

Doug Wright debates Cedar Hills booze and Sunday issues from 10-11am.  If you spot this before then, listen live here.  (More on this topic in the coming days on the blog)

Iraq is big news today.  Biggest news is some Republicans now calling on the White House to put together an exit strategy to get out of Baghdad.  Pressure is building.  Poll earlier this week didn't help Bush's case.

Also news of Al Qaeda leader arrested in Iraq.  He vowed to never give up and die fighting.  Like so many he wimped out and was taken in handcuffs.

Related to Iraq and terrorism, republicans now giving the President grief when it comes to the Patriot Act.  Looks like it will likely be redone before parts of it expire.

Okay, got to run.  Let's sprint.

RAPID FIRE...
Deep Throat's family cashes in.
Runaway Bride gets half million.  HALF MILLION?  Boy are we screwed up.
Scary jet crash in Arizona neighborhood.
Woman kept on life support to hopefully save baby.
Mitt Romney shows conservative colors on gay marriage.  Big gamble in MA.
HS Coach learns not to hold knife to player's neck. 
Surge in teenage girls using steroids.  Or, maybe not.
Disturbing look inside child molester's mind.  He kept a log of victims and acts?
What if that CA tsunami scare hadn't been just a drill?
Working at the White House may be grueling, but your wallet will be stacked.
Howie Kurtz looks at media coverage of runaway bride vs Downing Street Memo.
ABC News wants only pretty people.
Some VERY COOL iPod speakers. (Father's Day?)
Bill Clinton going head to head against Hannity?
Great look inside harrowing Baghdad rescue.
Jon Stewart talks Jackson verdict.  Clip worth your time.

See you on KSL Radio at Noon....

Crashing Rocky's Rally...

As I write this, I'm finishing up filing a story that you'll want to tune in to hear on Utah's Afternoon News from 4-7p.  You can hear that story - and Rocky's entire speech - by clicking here.

I showed up at Library Square in downtown Salt Lake City for what I thought would be another ho-hum ordinary news conference by Mayor Rocky Anderson.  He was staging a rally in favor of open space in the battle over a chunk of land owned by North Salt Lake, inside Salt Lake City's borders.  You can read more on that by clicking here.

When I got there, Rocky's supporters were there waving their signs saying "Preserve  Open Space."  But someone else decided to crash Rocky's rally -- North Salt Lake Mayor Kay Briggs and his supporters, carrying their own signs.  Soon, the two sides were arguing with each other -- and this is before Rocky even took to the podium.  Those of us in the press were just watching this, not believing what was going on!

At that moment, Deeda Seed -- Mayor Anderson's Communications Director -- switched on the speaker for the podium, encouraging all "open space supporters" to come up to the front to be seen.  Interestingly enough, North Salt Lake supporters also went up to the front.  She then called Mayor Anderson to the podium.  It took a few minutes, and for a split second, he looked (at least to me) like he didn't really want to go up there.

Rocky was heckled a little bit during his speech.  He didn't back down and not to be outdone at his own rally, he did drop a bombshell.  He announced plans to seek condemnation for some of the NSL property within SLC's borders.  It infuriated the North Salt Lake contingency, including Mayor Briggs who -- at the top of his lungs -- railed against the whole open space rally. 

Tune in this afternoon to hear all the excitement for yourself!

Also in the news...

Some new developments on the polygamy front.  Tapestry Against Polygamy is accusing Utah's Attorney General of not doing enough to prosecute "everyday" polygamists.  You can hear that story by clicking here.  Of course, this is the same group that has been using a private investigator to build custom-made criminal cases against polygamists for prosecutors.  KSL NewsRadio first reported on that several months ago.  You can hear it by clicking here.

For your drive home...

I was out on I-80 covering the emergency repairs to the bridge that goes over Highland Drive.  It's going to be reduced to one lane (and your commute home is going to be bad) until Thursday. 

UDOT says you won't see any crews out there working, but the concrete has to cure, so the lanes will still be closed. 

If you're taking a side-street like 21st, 27th, 33rd or 45th South, be prepared for gridlock.  However, Salt Lake City promises to make it a little easier by changing the traffic signals to match the traffic jamming those east-west streets.  You can hear more about it by clicking here.

6/15: In The News...

Good morning.

Time for us all to go on our daily tour of the world of news to see what's cooking on this Wednesday.  Cable news networks real excited about Schiavo autopsy results that were announced a short time ago.  We just debated this story in our morning news meeting.  I'm convinced the Schiavo results are worth a mention but not much more. 

If the autopsy said she was healthy, now that would have been a story.  But, since they say what we all knew, I'm not in favor of playing it big.  I'm hoping CBS doesn't lead with it beyond the next hour or two in their hourly updates on our station.

A brutal attack in Iraq that killed many Iraqi soldiers is competing right now with Schiavo for the lead story spot on the all tv, radio, and print news feeds. 

Those are the biggies so far.  There's lots of tier 2 stuff developing.  Let's jump to that.

DELAYING RETIREMENT
The Associated Press is out with a report that says some senators have discussed increasing the retirement age.  Social security benefits would kick in at 69.  Looks like someone leaked to reporters on a Bush trip in Pennsylvania that this topic had come up in a closed-door meeting of republicans.  Will be interesting to see how lawmakers react now that it's out in the open.  Change wouldn't come for 20-30 years.

I'm swamped this morning.  So, I'm going to wrap today's rundown up.

RAPID FIRE....
:Shaky sourcing, but new report out today saying bin Laden is feeling great.
:Big victory for those upset media isn't doing enough with Downing Street Memo.  LA Times picks it up today.
:Interesting dig in Kansas revealing interesting things.
:Defeat for Gay Marriage in northeast.
:Democrats can't agree on game plan for Iraq.
:Tsunami warning in California.  Sure didn't cause much action.
:If you flunk a class, sue.
:WPost with interesting take on the power of a photo in the Jackson case.
:Speaking of Jackson, read the interesting things the morning news shows did to win.
:Canadians show again why no one in the U.S. takes them seriously.
:LA Schools do something all public schools should do... get kids ready for college.
:The media runs reports hinting its earlier reporting on abstinence may have been wrong.
:McDonalds trying new approach to get you to eat a Big Mac.
:JK Rowling says no to iPods.
:& finally, something no boss should ever do.

See you on the radio at Noon...

I-80 Eastbound

One of the big stories this afternoon locally is the traffic. I didn't realize it, but a lot of people just here in the newsroom use I-80 Eastbound to get home. Some live as far away as Summit County, others in Sugarhouse, others in the Foothill area. If this small sampling means anything, a lot of people out there are going to be stuck trying to get home while the repairs are being done. Our traffic "Eye in the Sky," Jay Richards (no relation!) just reported something like: "A lot of people still trying to get onto I-80 at the closed areas. Apparently they aren't listening to us but they should because they are making it worse for others out there." My question is, why aren't people listening to us on the way home, to work or anywhere? I mean, where else do you get such traffic coverage? I guess you can chill to music to make you feel better in a traffic jam, but what makes me feel better is knowing how big the jam is, when I'll be out of it, or where I can go to avoid it.

6/14: In The News...

Good morning. 

Boy, how things have changed.  After nearly a week of a summer slowdown in the news cycle... things are hopping this morning.   We'll get to the daily rundown in a moment.

But, first.  Thanks to all of you who emailed in with your congrats on the Murrow Award.  I will make sure the staff sees your messages. 

On KSL.com yesterday, we had another INCREDIBLE day.  The Jackson Verdict sent tens of thousands of you to our website.  We ran Sean Hannity's coverage of the verdict on KSL Radio and put up the CBS network long-form coverage on KSL Radio's secondary audio stream channel. 

Once again, the demand was too much.  We blew out our bandwidth and maxed out on connections.  That's twice in one week we've blown out the secondary audio channel.  I brought up the issue in the KSL Management Team Meeting yesterday afternoon and we are beginning to formulate our plan to make sure this doesn't happen again.  The site traffic has reached a level that demands we make some changes.  We're reaching record levels in terms of daily traffic and will make sure we can accomodate you all.  I'll keep you updated in the weeks ahead.

Okay, to the daily news rundown.

JACKSON ESCAPES
Obviously the big story of the day is the Jackson Verdict.  Lots of day two stories.  The one getting the most traction on the web is on how Jackson will no longer allow children into his room.  Imagine that.  It appears the boy's mom in this case was the prosecutions worst enemy.  Another version here.  They knew that going in, though, so why didn't they do a better job of preparing for that?

Perhaps the piece most worth reading on Jackson today is a first-person account from an LA Times writer who got to know Jackson and watched him become obsessed with kids.  Interesting write up on media's handling of the case and how reporter types are depressed there's nothing else lurking out there for the summer.  And also out there, a piece on Jackson's career and how it needs CPR.

UTAH POLYGAMY
The LA Times now picking up on the movement in the last week or so concerning the FLDS Church.  Interesting read.  Kudos to KSL's Ben Winslow for being plugged in enough to get us the scoop on Friday of Warren Jeff's indictment. 

MORMONS & EVOLUTION
At least one science blog (scroll down the page a ways) picking up on religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack's article in the Sunday Trib on Mormons and evolution. 

HOWARD DEAN
The democratic party continues to be split on Howard Dean as their leader.  Jon Stewart got in on the action in a clip that will get you laughing.  There are many opinion writers and bloggers now coming out trying to calm some demos, saying Dean is just saying the truth about republicans.  USA Today columnist tells dems to leave Dean alone.  Others say Dean lacks one thing: maturity.  Jerry Falwell asks if there's a double standard when it comes to Dean and Bush.

Tons of other stuff out there... but I'm late in posting this... so, let's pick up the speed.

RAPID FIRE...
:America's definition of journalist is changing.  Media needs to quit arguing and adjust to these changes.
:Katie scores first interview with runaway bride, Interesting background on How She Got The Interview.
:Great in-depth piece on research we mentioned here last week on mental illness.  Lots of confusion over who among us is sick.  (Must register FREE with NY Times to read this.)
:New 'Earth' found way out in space.
:Do your kids ride the bus?  New terrible trend in some places you want to be aware of.
:Buying drugs from Canada on the Internet?  Better check the postmark.
:Changes have happened in the 'real' West Wing.  Behind-the-scenes rundown here.
:He tried to 'protect' Moses' tablets, now some republicans are nervous about him.
:Gitmo still very much in news.  GOP lawmaker pulls interesting stunt to reveal torture.
:Is the Boston Globe covering up in an effort to help Kerry?  Some bloggers think so.
:New piece on Deep Throat, how Mark Felt was ordered to track Deep Throat down.
:US Passports changing.  Now it will be easier to get into U.S.?
:Your boss may be watching your behavior AFTER you leave the office.
:Like books?  Have iPod?  Great development to read about here.
:Mike Tyson finally comes to terms with what we've all been saying for years.
:Terrible accident at Disney.  Expect lots of media attention.
:And, finally Americans are downsizing their tastes when it comes to some desserts.

Wow.  What a day in the news. 

See you on KSL Radio at Noon...

6/13, In The News...

A good morning to you. 

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.  For those of us who are San Antonio natives, it was a terrific weekend watching a new sports legend being born.  Listened to about an hour of home-town radio early this morning and let's just say the natives are restless.  Good to soak up some of that local feel this morning.

There's great news this morning as well for KSL.  In fact, it's terrific news. 

I learned of this last week, but couldn't say anything publicly until now.  This morning, the most-respected broadcast journalist association in the country announced it is awarding KSL Radio two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards. 

These are among the highest honors that can be paid to broadcast journalists.  There are many other award contests (I'll mention one of those in a moment), but this is one of the grand daddies.  In this competition, KSL-AM competes with stations in New York, DC, Chicago, San Fran, Houston, Seattle, St Louis, Boston, etc, etc. 

KSL-AM was one of two large-market radio station to win two national awards.  The station won for its continuing coverage of the disappearance and murder of Lori Hacking.  The judges recognized KSL for its excellence in covering the breaking news aspects of this story as well as our longer, in-depth pieces on what it was like to search at the landfill and on exactly who Lori Hacking was.

KSL-AM also won for the Best Radio Station Website in the country.  This is a huge honor.  We competed with stations in the nation's largest and most high-tech savvy markets. 

The KSL-AM team deserves a tremendous amount of praise for these two highly-coveted awards.  This is the second year in a row KSL has won two national Murrows.  Every news and talk station in America fights hard to win these.  They speak volumes about the level of content that comes from KSL each day.  I'm especially proud that a radio station in the 31st biggest market continually beats out stations in much larger markets.

Kudos to the KSL-AM team.

One other quick, awards related note here...  in addition to being recognized as one of the nation's best news radio stations... KSL-AM was also recognized over the weekend for being the best Utah radio news team.  These awards are a little more anticlimactic for us, but they're an honor nonetheless.  The Society of Professional Journalists' Utah Chapter awarded KSL-AM best newscast, best spot news coverage, best continuing coverage, and several other awards.

Apologies for spending so much time today patting my KSL colleagues on the back, but I think they deserve it and I think the audience deserves to know that KSL is not only Utah's most listened to radio station, but is also home to one of America's best radio news teams.

Okay, now for the important news of the day.

THE NEWS
Hate to sound like a broken record, but the news cycle is somewhat lacking again today. 

Sure, there are some interesting stories out there... but nothing gripping the nation's attention.  No clear lead story as you look at the cable news networks, the big news websites, and the major US daily newspapers.  They're all searching this Monday for the lead of the day.

The broadcast media seems to be completely focused on the Jackson verdict.  If you have any doubt about that, then you must have missed this story over the weekend.  Unbelievable.

Let's go right into rapid fire today...

RAPID FIRE...
Howard Dean big focus right now.  Says tough talk about GOP will continue.
New blog devoted to Downing Street Memo and alleged lack of media coverage.
Some say religion and politics mixed too much in Texas last week.
Utah political blog and newsletter gets some well-deserved attention.
And, Steve Jobs delivers some intriguing comments to college grads.
Oh, and the must-read, feel good story of the day is here. 

Short news rundown today.  More tomorrow.

See you on the radio at Noon...

Friday, In the News...

Good morning to ya. 

Sunshine, 70 degrees, some golf in yesterday, KSL Radio #1 again in the latest ratings out this week, and the Spurs won game one.  Life is wonderful, isn't it? 

Life is wonderful, the news cycle is not.  The collective media all hoping for a Jackson verdict today.  CBS News legal analyst Andrew Cohen telling Grant and Tim this morning he expects something today.  But, I think we've been hearing that from various quarters all week.  The news does need a spark today, though.

It's been a good week for KSL.com.  We registered nearly half a million page views on Monday and Tuesday each.  Those two days saw more than 200,000 people come to our website.  Monday it was Mark Hacking that caused the surge.  Tuesday, blame it on the rain.  I just looked at the numbers for the week so far, not including Friday, and we've had more than 1.5 million page views.  That's a decent week.

The KSL Blog has also taken off.  The stats show thousands of you are now making a habit of checking in here at least once a day.  We've got plans to make this part of the site even more worth the visit.  By the way, if you haven't bookmarked the page or added it to your favorites, do it now.  You can come to this page every day by going to http://ksl.typepad.com .

Okay, now to the news of the day.  There is some interesting tier 2 stuff out there again today.

REPORTERS, NOT DEAN, LOSE COOL
Lots of chatter on the web about an episode in Harry Reid's office yesterday.  Sounds like Fox News guy lost his cool.  Fox News haters loving the news.  Washington Post thinks its news worthy.  GOP types say MSM getting it all wrong.

DISTURBING INTELLIGENCE
Yes, it's Monday-morning quarterbacking, but that seems useful even now, so much after the fact.  Several reports out there about new information about how the CIA/FBI cat fight may have led to 9-11 not being prevented.

SPEAKING OF INTELLIGENCE
LA Times leading the pack again today in coverage of the alleged CA terrorists as well.  This story worth following.

Now, let's fly...

RAPID FIRE...
Drudge has rumors from behind the scenes in Santa Maria. Others have it.
PBS/NPR types getting even more nervous.
More bad news for MSM types.  Trust us.
Some unhappy with Bush and Cavuto sitting down together.
Lots of media stuff today.  CBS News, how to fix it?
If you like Wi-fi, Wi-Max, this is very cool.
The WPost watching Utah's Porn Battle.
Israel going a little weird on us in the mid-east peace effort.
Strange story of the day.

And... for all you longtime Utah Malone fans... a tough pill to swallow.
GO SPURS...

See you on the radio at Noon...

Otherwise, have a great weekend.  We'll talk on Monday...

A Gruesome Scene

As soon as I sat down in the station this morning, I was already on my way out of the door.  A stabbing in West Valley left one woman dead.

You can hear the hear the audio here.

We see some pretty nasty things in this job as we sometimes are there are the scene is still developing.  While the scene this morning was mostly clear, the area where the woman died there was still evidence of what happened.  I suppose I don't really have to go into specifics, but needless to say it was fairly gross. 

But my question was whether to mention it....to describe the scene using that picture.  I must say you almost want to because it really would take you there, but I have to ask myself if a listener driving to work wants that extremely vivid picture painted. 

Now TV had no problem shooting video of the scene, and showing it on the air.  It's one thing to describe it on the radio, but to show it?

I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.  What do you guys think?  How gruesome should we be?

In The News...

Good morning. 

Maybe you can help me with a problem this morning.  For a few minutes I saw this bright round thing beaming light down from high in sky.  Does anyone know what that is?  Haven't seen much of it lately in these parts. 

The news cycle is relatively slow today.  Some interesting stuff, as always, out there... but nothing that demands our collective attention.  Again, a verdict in the Jackson case could change all of this.  Even though we've tried to not pay too much attention to Jackson on KSL, when the verdict comes we'll jump.  How long we stay on it depends on what the jury decides.

Now, for our daily ride around the world of news.

TAXING CHANGES IN UTAH/UT NEWS SITES
Both SL dailies think one of the biggest stories of the day is legislative action on radically changing Utah's tax structure.  Here's the DNews version which includes a public poll.  Here's the Trib.  This story reveals a MAJOR problem with these two papers web presence. 

Neither paper has done anything innovative on the web in years.  Little to absolutely no updating of the news during the day (unlike major US dailies).  It boggles my mind!  They are losing out on tens of thousands of unique visitors and major additional revenue.  Oh, well. KSL.com will continue to lead the way, and we're proud to do it.  (By the way major announcement about KSL.com coming soon.) 

Another problem with the website of these papers.  They do not reflect the print version.  Newspaper folks have got to realize that my generation along with the younger ones wouldn't know what a print edition of a newspaper was if the publisher delivered it to them himself.  35 and younger get their news online.  So, the newspaper's website has got to reflect in some way the layout of the paper.  This morning, the Trib puts flax tax above the fold on A1 but you can find it absolutely no where on the front page of the site.  In fact you have to click on the "Utah" section head on the web and then scroll way down to the bottom to find the story. 

Judging from the online edition, you'd think flat tax was buried in the print edition.  I just don't understand why traditional media is having such a hard time adjusting to new consumption habits of news consumers.  Oh, well.  We'll continue to forge ahead here at KSL.com (I know, the humility is killing you).

I feel better.

CALIFORNIA TERRORISTS
It was a lead story for part of yesterday.  Now, some good day two follow-ups on the Americans arrested in Cali for allegedly having ties to bin Laden.  Check out the SF Chronicle version and the LA Times version for the real interesting coverage.

JACKSON'S CELL
And, as we await the verdict and the media hopes something happens before the weekend here's what Jackson's life could be like behind bars.

Okay, now... let's fly.

RAPID FIRE...
NPR, PBS types concerned about this development. Some GOPers pleased.
Incredibly compelling numbers on immigration in America.  Latino pop exploding.
Have a teenager daughter.  This ought to generate a dinner-table conversation.
America's best sheriff now letting his inmates have friends.
Great, I mean great first-person journalism on how cancer changes lives.
SF gays mobilizing for showdown at high school.
Scary attack at Target.  Parents say store is to blame.
Abstinence programs under attack Again.
A grandpa who should never see his grandchild again.
Forget about teaching creationism at school.  Try the zoo.
Readers Digest may have gone overboard to get Tom Cruise.
Google is just too cool.
Want proof reporters are sometimes full of it.  NO way this is accurate.  Huh, guys?

And most importantly today.  In what could be the FINEST NBA FINALS in a while...
GO SPURS!

See ya on the radio at Noon....

In The News...

Busy morning, meaning this will be brief.

No clear lead story on either the local or national front today.  Many tier 2 stories out there, but nothing big. The beauty of the news business is that all of this could change in mere moments.  Let's run through some of the more interesting stuff developing.

THE KSL FLOOD WATCH
Hopefully, today will be the day the weather changes.  Both The Trib and the Standard today go with A1 headlines wondering when Summer will arrive.  D News tells us that expensive development at the Point of the Mountain is having major rain-related problems.  In Pleasant Grove, they're officially a disaster area.  The amount of rain is simply amazing.

CORROON'S CUTTING
Both SL dailies go with big stories on Peter Corroon's first SL County budget.  Major changes.  Trib version.  DNews version.

GAMBLING, ANYONE CARE?
The DNews splashes on A1 again today a story about the WTO decision regarding gambling.  Utah now officially protesting the decision.  Why is the DNews the only media outlet that has shown any interest in this story for more than a month now?  They keep putting it on A1 and no one else, print or broadcast, does anything? 

DEAN: WHITE CHRISTIAN MAN
The story getting the most traction nationally is Howard Dean's latest diatribe.  The San Francisco Chronicle uploads the audio to their site to prove the comments.  (Interesting move by a print publication... makes it so Dean can't say he was taken out of context)  This morning, Dean stands by his comments.  Many demos growing increasingly frustrated.

WORLD TRADE CENTER: ABU GHRAIB MEMORIAL?
In the blogging world, TONS OF attention to the latest World Trade Center memorial plans.  Many people on both sides of the political aisle upset at the possibility that Abu Ghraib and other mistakes may be the focus, not the people who died innocently in the greatest country on Earth.  The WSJ started this storm.

NOW, RAPID FIRE...
Chain Saw Man gets across border.  This guy's mug has to be picture of the day.
I take that back, this is the pic of the day.
LA Times reveals big problems at the border.  Not that kind of problem.
After Hacking, if you don't understand Utah sentencing laws, Charley helps you out.
For those captivated by outing of Deep Throat, new behind the scenes stuff.
If you are really into eye color, determine what your child's will be.
Saddest, strange story of the day.
His show on Wal-mart was exceptional.  Now, he reveals the inner workings of ebay.  Tivo worthy!
And, wondering when will your next car wreck will happen?  Answer is here.

See you on the radio at Noon...

A Killer In The Family...

Last night, long after I had left the KSL 24-hour Newscenter, eaten dinner, and tucked the kids into bed I returned a phone call from a family friend.  Although she had initially called for other reasons, she spent the first few minutes of our conversation venting.  "It was just so sad," she said referring to the developments hours earlier at the Matheson Courthouse.  "What a horrible situation," she repeated several times.

She was right.  What a horrible development the sentencing of Mark Hacking had been.

In taking calls on our Internet coverage of the Hacking sentencing Monday, I was frankly surprised at how no one called who felt any sympathy for Mark. 

There was a time I would have called a talk show and demanded death for some unknown killer.  Anyone who kills must be a worthless waste of skin, I once thought. 

Now, something has changed.  I've changed. 

Years of sitting in courtrooms covering criminals has had an effect.  Becoming a parent has made a difference.  Watching people close to me stumble in serious ways has changed me.

The older I get the more confusing people and life become.  The more life experience I gain, the fewer perfect people I know.  Personal idols from younger years seem to stand on shorter pedestals.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm not saying maturity breeds gloom.  It's just a realization seems to develop of how easy it is for anyone to stumble.  I realize stumbling and committing murder are two different things, but you get my point.

I know what you're thinking: "OH, you darn softie.  Get real."

Maybe you're right. 

During the almost 12 months since this story has been in the news, I've been drawn to Dr. Douglas Hacking and his family. 

In the moments after they learned of Lori's disappearance they encouraged Mark to talk to reporters in that impromptu news conference in Memory Grove.  Hours later, Mark's sister, Sara, checked him into a hotel so he could gather himself.  A sister, just 19-years-old, must have known something was wrong with her big brother.

Then late in the night, Mark's brother, Scott, responded when police were called and spotted a naked and drunk Mark.  His reaction?  He drove straight to the University of Utah's mental institution.  I can't imagine what he was experiencing.  A desperate search for a victim turned into the discovery his brother was very troubled.  Did he right then begin to wonder if Mark was a murderer?

Then, within hours, the doctor would face a crowd of cameras in a moment I will never forget.  I have never seen utter confusion so evident in a person's eyes as when Doug Hacking faced the press literally minutes after learning of his son's web of lies. 

It was less than a couple days later when the brothers confronted Mark in the home for mentally sick and asked him point-blank: Where is She?

Then, came the confession.  And in that moment, life changed forever.

Along with doctors and academic performers in their family, the Hackings now had a Killer.

Does Mark deserve to pay dearly for his crime?  What a stupid question.  Of course.

How severe should his punishment be?  Thank goodness I'm not responsible for that decision.

But, as Mark is oriented at the state prison and Lori's family moves on, if moving on is possible, my thoughts are stuck with the Doctor, his wife, and their children. 

Lori Hacking's parents and brother deserve great sympathy.  Their emotions must be near unbearable.  Their anger, real anger, with Mark and even his family is expected.  All of our hearts go out to them.

But for me... I'm struck by how easy it is to brand people killers and as such worthless monsters who deserve to 'rot,' as one person put it in court.  It takes no effort to despise them.  It's just as easy to spew anger at anyone who defends or tries to justify them.

I'm not saying Mark's attorney didn't say some pretty unrealistic things yesterday in defending him.  Saying Mark killed out of love was, let's just say, stupid.  There were some other insane things uttered on his behalf.  Trying to make a convicted murderer out to be a nice person is a waste of time.

Yet, for some reason I feel sorry for Mark.  I feel pity for his family.  I wonder how horrible this must be for them.  I can see in my mind the photo albums they must have spent time going through in the last year looking at a baby, a boy, a teenager, and a man who now they know as a killer.

As a community rightfully demands justice and punishment they stand alone never able to escape the question that will haunt them for the rest of their lives: How Did This Happen?

In the News...

Good morning.

What an incredible day we had on KSL.com yesterday.  It was an historic day for us online with our first ever Internet-only talk show hosted by yours truly.  Quick summary: We used our secondary audio streaming channel yesterday for only like the third time.  So, on the main audio stream channel you got KSL Radio's air while we put the Mark Hacking extended sentencing coverage on our secondary audio stream. 

We were not ready for the web traffic that generated.  The servers started turning people away after more than 900 connections on the secondary channel.  We were overwhelmed.  With so many people connected to that feed I went into one of our production booths and started what turned into an Internet-only talk show.  I gave out the traditional KSL phone numbers where people could call to share their thoughts as we all awaited the end of the lengthy sentencing hearing. 

The phone lines lit up instantly.  The lines were jammed.  I took callers for nearly 45 minutes and never had a lack of lines lit up.  It was amazing.  Thanks to all of you who were a part of that first-of-its-kind event.  My apologies to the hundreds of you who tried to listen in on the web and were turned away due to the huge demand. 

This experience will lead to new ventures on our website.  Stay tuned...

Speaking of huge demand, KSL.com registered more than 450,000 page views yesterday.

Now to the news of the day...

MARK HACKING - "ROT IN JAIL"
The sentencing of Hacking is getting coverage around the world.  I have yet to find a single soul who believes what he says and thinks he can change and deserves some sympathy.  Some bloggers out there really confused by Utah law and the sentence in this case and they're demanding change.

Other Hacking items worth noting... interesting account from blogger at the sentencing yesterday.  Also, KSL Newsradio's Mary Richards filed a podcast from the courthouse that's interesting to listen to.  Mary and Ben's blogs from the courthouse (see below) are quite interesting as well. 

Speaking of Hacking... I have some thoughts on the events of yesterday and will share them in a post hopefully early this afternoon.

POLYGAMY, BUSH, AND UTAH
Thanks to Charley Foster for a heads up on an interesting column in the Denver press about polygamy and a Bush-appointed judge.

MENTAL ILLNESS HUGE
New research getting lots of attention in the MSM.  Deals with who is depressed and when it starts.  From the source here.

Now for rapid fire...
Because you've been dying to know since the election... Kerry's grades are out.
Breaking news here... women are more complicated shoppers than men.
Think r-rated movies fare best at the register? Think again.
New Pope keeping the heat on same-sex marriage arguments.
CNN gets a Russian competitor.  In English, no less.
ABC News scores big and gets rare access into North Korea.  What will they find?
Steve Jobs talks again about how big podcasting is getting.  (Welcome on the wagon)

That should keep you busy for a while.  More later....

Inside the Courtroom...

"She did nothing but love me unconditionally even at times I didn't deserve it," Mark Hacking said during his sentencing hearing today.  You can hear KSL NewsRadio's coverage by clicking here.

It was eerie to hear him describe how he shot-and-killed his wife, took them and tossed them away like trash.

"I can't explain why I did it," he said.  "I wasn't myself that night."

Hacking described being tormented by what he did.  He said he'd do anything to go back and change it.  "I deserve to be in prison," he said.  Sobbing, he said "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry."

Hacking's statement during his sentencing was the most intruiging, but not the most emotional comments that came during the two hour sentencing hearing.  Anger came from Lori Hacking's parents, Eraldo and Thelma Soares.  Eraldo pounded his fist on the podium as he asked, "How could Mark do that to my daughter?!?!"

Thelma turned to face Mark as she asked "How could you do that, Mark?  How could you do that?"  You can read her statement to reporters by clicking here.

A large number of people turned out in support of Mark Hacking.  Many of his brothers and sisters spoke, pleading with the judge for mercy.  They didn't forgive what he did to his wife and unborn child, but they spoke of the self-suffering Mark is going through.

"In the end, the one who lost the most is Mark," said his brother Lance. 

Hacking's father Douglas revealed some surprising new twists in the case that's always seemed to surprise everyone.  He revealed that Mark tried to kill himself on July 19th.  He was also the "confidential informant" that revealed where Lori was.  He told his lawyer to inform the District Attorney of her wherabouts.  Hacking has also written an autobiography, but it is not to be published.  Instead, it will be given to his family and Lori's family, as an attempt to explain the intricate web of lies and what led up to the murder.

In the end, the judge gave him what the statute required.  Five-to-life, plus a one year sentence for using a weapon.  She called him "the poster child for dishonesty" and said she hopes it's a very, very long time before he's let out of prison.

Also at the Matheson Courthouse...

Just a few hours before the Hacking sentencing, the Utah Attorney General's Office was back in court asking a judge to extend a temporary restraining order that freezes the financial assets of the Fundamentalist LDS Church. 

An investigator revealed to KSL that the "looting" of Hildale and Colorado City continues.  He claims buildings are still disappearing in the polygamous border towns, people are moving from home to home.  A private investigator claims a semi backed up to the meetinghouse in Hildale late Saturday night and things were removed from inside.  If true, it could all be in defiance of the court's order.

You can hear my story on that by clicking here.

Hacking Sentencing

This is a picture of the media in the Matheson Courthouse rotunda, but it doesn't do it justice. While Ben Winslow was in the courtroom to hear Mark Hacking's sentence, I was in the rotunda of the Matheson Courthouse to cover the reaction after the sentencing. We took it live. So my memory of the day is full of setting up miles of cord, waiting for 2 1/2 hours, hoping my batteries didn't run out, then rushing to take the comments live, then rushing to report live, then wrapping up the miles of cord and filing sound and posting pictures. Here's a reporter's notebook I filed at about 3:20 PM while waiting for the hearing to be over: Download hackingreporter_notebook.mp3. It's full of my worries about my batteries and I talk about all the media there.

This is a picture of some of the equipment I was juggling. The silver thing is my minidisc player, on which I recorded the press conference. The black thing in the middle is the mixer, which I used to take the press conference live. It had about half-a dozen cords going in and out of it -- one to the mic on the right, for catching the sound of reporters asking questions, one cord going to another mic on the podium, another cord going to my minidisc player, another to my headphones, and another connecting hundreds of feet of cable to the KSL vehicle. Marc Giauque helped me set it all up at about 1:15, the families didn't come down till about 3:50 PM.

This is a picture of my view looking up to the fourth floor balcony. We down in the rotunda waited for a signal from the photogs up there that the hearing was over and the families were coming down the stairs. Then we all scrambled to our feet. Except I had a chair, thanks to a very nice security guard who noticed my eight-months pregnant state.

While I'm at it, I also owe a big thanks to Deseret Morning News reporter Pat Reavy, who changed the nine-volt batteries for me in the mixer (hey, I'd never done it before!), and to the Channel Five photographers who wound up the hundreds of feet of cable when the press conference was all over. I think all went well on the production end, I hope it sounded ok to you on the radio.

In the News...

Hope everyone had a good weekend.  Another work week in Utah begins with dark clouds and rain.  Is it just me, or is this way past the getting old stage?  At a tee ball game for my son last week, people were literally cuddling up in blankets to stay warm.  IT'S JUNE!  I have a feeling we're going to be robbed of summer.

Speaking of the weather... interesting to note a trivial fact here.  Almost every day one of the top three or four most viewed pages on KSL.com is the weather page.  If you haven't checked out the Live 5 VIPIR available on your computer, you're missing out.  Make sure and click on Start Animation to get the whole effect.

Okay... now to the good stuff.  There is a ton happening in the news worth looking at on the web this morning.

HACKING SPEAKS
The story that will dominate KSL Radio's airwaves as you head home this afternoon is the sentencing of Mark Hacking.  It begins at 2pm Mountain Time.  We plan to break in as soon as the sentencing is announced.  To tell the truth... there's absolutely no suspense in what he will get - six years to life.  The suspense is what will be said in the court room.  Will Mark open up and finally speak publicly?  What will Lori's family say as they go face-to-face with him?  We're expecting to break-in between 2:15 and 2:45pm.  Full coverage throughout Utah's Afternoon News 4-7pm on KSL Newsradio 1160.

BRAC HERE
Other major story today is BRAC in town to tour Hill.  Not completely sure why this is happening since Hill has been spared, but Hill supporters see it as a big opportunity to push why contracts at bases that are closing should be moved to Hill.  Especially, business from New Mexico's Cannon Air Force Base.

BYU-IDAHO
Also happening today, BYU Idaho gets a new president.  Interesting to note that President Hinckley of the LDS Church is not traveling to Rexburg to make the announcement.  He's doing it from the Conference Center in a satellite broadcast to BYU-I staff.  Rumor is someone from well known school back east.  Sure narrows it down, huh?  I'm sworn to secrecy.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Now to some national issues... Am I the only one who completely missed this one?  I saw nothing on this in the national media last week when it was happening.  California came within four votes of essentially legalizing same-sex marriage?  Where was the coverage?  San Francisco Chronicle says the issue is now dead for this year. 

IRAQ RAP VIDEO
Lots of talk this morning in the blogosphere and in the Main Stream Media about The Iraq Video.  Newsweek and MSNBC are all over it right now.  Basically, group of frustrated, even angry, US soldiers in Iraq make a rap song about how the war is horrible.  Look for MSM to play this up big.  I'd expect to see video and stories on the big three nightly newscasts.

SPEAKING OF IRAQ...
Several things out there this morning including an interesting opinion piece from Newsweek's Baghdad bureau chief.  Looks like they're letting him come home after two years in Baghdad.  To get a real inside look at what the media covering Iraq really thinks about the US effort there... this is a must-read.

THE REST...
Many other interesting items out there and in the interest of time and space I'll throw them out rapid-fire.

Concerns at Apple.  iPod sales finally slowing.
Going mobile getting big.  Laptops outsell desktops.
Deep Throat's Family did it, partly, for the money.
Newsweek's Jonathon Alter slams GOP saying Watergate couldn't happen today.
As mentioned before, CNN starts big test of American's appetite for different news.
WPost says more of us like keeping our dead spouses in our home.
Yahoo! offers look at what they're working on for future.
NY Post should be ashamed.  Force you to register, but then say they're too busy?
Qwest proves again why so many of us are switching to Vonage and never look back.
And the greatest news of the day: Airline announces wi-fi available on planes.

That's it for right now.  By the way, thanks for all the email over the weekend on how much you liked this look around the web.  Please feel free to send in links and mentions of interesting things you spot.  You can fire off a personal message to rhill@ksl.com .

Later.

CNN Changes, Lesbian Moms, & The Prez Unplugged

A couple of notes from the vast World Wide Web today...

CNN CHANGING
On one of the TVs in my office right now, Judy Woodruff is signing off CNN.  Today marks the last day of CNN as you know it.  The network is making substantial changes to its lineup due to sinking ratings as people shift to Fox News Channel and the Net.

Look for a new international news hour and several hours of Wolf Blitzer during the day.  Crossfire, Inside Politics, etc are all gone.  Wonder if it will work?  It's been a rough week for the pioneering network with its founder even criticizing it.

LESBIAN UTAH MOMS
A story that received zero local media attention this week is drawing all sorts of attention in the gay online community (according to Yahoo! News).  Looks like the Utah Supreme Court heard this week from both sides on whether a child is better off with two moms or one. 

SEAN HANNITY PODCASTING
As pioneers in the podcasting movement, we like to give props to others as they jump on the bandwagon.  Now, one of our own has leaped.  Sean Hannity is now podcasting his show.  We, of course, prefer you listen to it on KSL Newsradio 1160 between 1 and 4pm every day... but if you missed a show... you can listen to Sean's podcast.  You'll have to pay, of course.

KSL HD COVERAGE
Nice, brief write-up in the Deseret Morning News about KSL leading the way in bringing digital radio to Utah.

GEORGE AND LAURA CAUGHT ON TAPE
Ever wonder what people talk about as they wait to be interviewed live on television by Larry King.  Now, you don't have to wonder.  Rarely seen video now available of George and Laura Bush getting ready to go live with CNN's King.  Interesting behind the scenes stuff.  Speaking of King, he certainly never wanted you to see this.

MICHAEL'S JAILHOUSE MAKEUP
And, because we know you all are dying to know, especially because the jury now has his case, Michael Jackson will be allowed to take his makeup bag with him to prison, if convicted.

Have a good weekend...

KSL: Week In Review

Real quick... before I get into today's post...  We've posted the latest KSL Press Pass Podcast.  In this week's Press Pass I chat with two of the power players at KSL.  We're calling it Meet the Producers.  To download or listen go here.  To read more about KSL's podcasting feature, go here.

Okay, now we have that out of the way...

Another week is coming to a close.  As I write this one of the four television monitors in my office is showing a live feed from Santa Maria of Michael and the rest of the Jacksons walking into court.  Oh, how I'll miss this trial as it moves toward conclusion.  While I have to admit the verdict could be interesting, the intense coverage of the trial has been such a waste.

But, I digress.  As this week closes, and I take a moment to look back at the stories that we sent through hundreds of thousands of speakers this week, it doesn't take long to pick the story that will be most memorable.  Any guesses?

No, it wasn't the arrest of Utah's most well-known and most annoying computer salesman, Dell Schanze of Totally Awesome Computers.  While he maintains his innocence, there seemed to be almost audible applause coming from some corners when he was busted by cops this week.  The alleged offense? Pulling a gun in the middle of a road rage episode.

The most memorable story will also not be the miraculous disappearance of two large buildings in the polygamist towns of Hilldale and Colorado City.  You have to give these people credit, though.  They are amazing.  How men in that city were able to completely dismantle one building and cart off another one overnight is beyond me.  I'm sure the Attorney General had no idea this would happen when he convinced a judge to freeze the polygamist organization's assets.

No, neither of those stories will stay with us for years to come and most likely most of the other headlines that came across the radio this week will fade from our minds soon.  The one that I'm convinced will be with me and with many of you for years to come is the somewhat anti-climatic coming out of Deep Throat.

Now, I'm not old enough to remember Watergate.  I was just a young pup when Nixon was wreaking such havoc.  But, as a lover of history, politics, and anything media... I am quite familiar with the entire Watergate episode.  For years, as I have read books, magazine articles, and watched movies and TV shows, I have engaged in the great American past-time of trying to guess who Deep Throat was.

Then, on Tuesday, as I walked in my office after the long holiday weekend, there it was on one of my office TV sets.  Charlie Gibson was announcing Vanity Fair magazine had obtained an interview that had resulted in the outing of Deep Throat.  My first thought was "oh, I hope ABC really investigated this and isn't foolishly jumping on air with some crazy theory."  After ten and even fifteen minutes passed and no other network had followed ABC's lead, I was beginning to believe ABC and Vanity Fair had been duped.

But, no.  Within hours the grandson came out.  Then, the daughter.  Then, the wave from the man himself.  By early afternoon, Woodward had even confirmed it in a headline splashed across washingtonpost.com.

It was over.

A mystery that lasted three decades and had captivated millions of people, especially anyone interested in politics or media was over. 

That was it?

Yup, that's it. 

America Meet Mark Felt: aka Deep Throat. 

The mystery is over.  But certainly the books and movie are yet to come.  At least we'll still have those to read to relive the mystery. 

As this week of news draws to a close I must admit I'm somewhat lethargic.  A part of me is disappointed I know the answer to one of America's most trivial questions.  And, I'm somewhat sad my children won't grow up wondering who it was that played such a significant role in American politics.

The mystery has been solved.

Great Salt Lake

This is my picture looking Northeast (I believe) from Saltair. I took my first trip out there today. It smells interesting, but there was a nice breeze and lots of birds singing so it was a pleasant experience. I did a story on how the spring runoff and rain has affected the Lake. Wally Gwynn, a geologist with the State Geological Survey, says it's up 3.3 feet since last fall, and could go up another foot, the 3rd highest rise in one season since 1966. I love it when interviews can pull stats out of a hat so quickly. After talking to him in his office I thought I'd better go out to the Lake to file the story. I ran into a few people wandering along, looking through the building and walking along the shore. I can't believe what a party place it used to be. There are pictures of tons of people "back in the day" bobbing and playing in a much higher Lake.

As I filed the story for noon a bus from the Murray School District pulled up full of kids on a field trip. They weren't there very long. By the way I think it's field trip day. After leaving the lake I went to Liberty Park to find parents to talk to about another story I'm working on. There was a line of buses there from the Jordan School District, and the park was packed with kids, moms and dads. Parents galore to chose from! Then on the way back to KSL, I saw even more school buses parked by the Gateway.

The kids should take a field trip to the Spiral Jetty. Wally Gwynn says if the Lake keeps rising like it is, the stone artwork will be covered again with water. I should take a trip there. I'm becoming quite fond of the Great Salt Lake.

From Tooele to Court...

As I write this, I'm here at the Matheson Courthouse finishing up a story on Monday's sentencing of Mark Hacking.  He faces six-to-life when he's sentenced for shooting and killing his wife Lori in a crime that captivated the nation and ended in the Salt Lake Valley landfill where her body was discovered.

The state courts are getting ready for the sentencing by handing down a rather strict decorum order.  It dictates conduct, issues badges to get in the courtroom and even sets times that you have to be seated before the sentencing even begins!  It's a high-profile case that's bringing the national news media back in town and the courts are bracing for an emotional sentencing.  So there will be no cell phones, no Blackberrys, no buttons or pins, no rustling of noisy newspapers, just lots and lots of quiet.

You'll want to tune in this afternoon to hear my story on Utah's Afternoon News with Scott & Maria from 4-7p.  Also, victim impact statements (filed before sentencing to explain the impact of a loss to the judge to aid in passing down a sentence) were filed in the Hacking case, but promptly placed under seal.

Earlier in the day I was in Tooele, covering more flooding.  As I was interviewing a couple whose motel had been flooded, they mentioned their basement had a sewer back-up that left them with three-and-a-half inches of raw sewage in their home!  As they were talking to me, the clean-up crews came out with a roll of drippy, smelly carpet.  You can hear it -- and the rest of the story -- by clicking here.  Ironically, the Tooele County Emergency Management Center flooded.  It seems no one is immune this year.

Musings

I just got back from Eagle Mountain where I interviewed Jessica Smith, a 17-year-old who is graduating from high school Thursday night. But not just any high school -- homeschool high school. I also spoke earlier with Riverton resident Nicolas Yarrington, who is also graduating Thursday night from homeschool. A small ceremony will be held for them and a handful of other students. I thought it would be fun to do a story about how this week and next students are graduating across the state, including homeschoolers. I interviewed these two because Jessica has a full scholarship to BYU in the fall and Nicolas is finishing his associate's degree (hard work for teenagers in any situation).

I was